"Waiting, just as I
am, for something I don't want to come. Because once it does, it means everything
must move forward."
Author: Gwen Cole
Publisher: Sky Pony Press, imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Today, he’s a high school dropout with no future.
Tomorrow, he’s a soldier in World War II.
Kale Jackson has spent years trying to control his time-traveling ability but hasn’t had much luck. One day he lives in 1945, fighting in the war as a sharpshooter and helplessly watching soldiers—friends—die. Then the next day, he’s back in the present, where WWII has bled into his modern life in the form of PTSD, straining his relationship with his father and the few friends he has left. Every day it becomes harder to hide his battle wounds, both physical and mental, from the past.
When the ex-girl-next-door, Harper, moves back to town, thoughts of what could be if only he had a normal life begin to haunt him. Harper reminds him of the person he was before the PTSD, which helps anchor him to the present. With practice, maybe Kale could remain in the present permanently and never step foot on a battlefield again. Maybe he can have the normal life he craves.
But then Harper finds Kale’s name in a historical article—and he’s listed as a casualty of the war. Kale knows now that he must learn to control his time-traveling ability to save himself and his chance at a life with Harper. Otherwise, he’ll be killed in a time where he doesn’t belong by a bullet that was never meant for him.
If a cover can tell a story, Cold Summer, debut novel of Gwen Cole tells one of ironies and uncertainties. With apprehension and mystique, Cold Summer is one of those young adult novels that relays the complexity of familial relationships and the emotional and physical struggles trauma bears on them. Yet, it also provide a glimpse of what life could've been based on our decisions. The time traveling aspect joins, as well as mix the past and the future for our main character, Kale. Suffering PTSD during the unexpected times he's transported back as a soldier fighting World War II, he brings along with him the traumatic memories. Then there's the uncertainty of when he leaves and when he returns. When there seems to be an end - that may be his death, what will become of him?
It takes time to feel for the story, but once you do, you'll let it occupy your mind and your hours. Cold Summer reminds me of The Time Traveler's Wife, but the romance part is more subdued. It's a slow, yet intense process throughout and that's what makes it so enticing to readers. There's history, and there's the measurement of time, or rather the lack of understanding of it. But all together, a story that captures your attention.
"Time must move on. Me along with it."
For my clean readers, please note there are minor language and intimacy in this book, but not graphic.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Please note, quotes were taken from an advance reader's copy, which is more a less an uncorrected proof. Please do not reuse these unless you've verified with the release copy. Thank you.
Gwen Cole writes Young Adult books and her debut novel, COLD SUMMER, will be released in the spring of 2017 with Sky Pony Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing.
She grew up in upstate New York, moved to Virginia where she did not graduate college, and worked a various number of jobs including pharmacy technician, meat clerk, ranch hand, and a receiving specialist at Target. She may or may not have written a number of books while working at certain jobs.
At the age of eighteen, Gwen played bass in a hardcore band and later married the lead guitarist. She can also play piano, guitar, and wishes she could play the cello. Her favorite place to vacation is Wyoming, where she gets to wear a cowboy hat and pretend she actually is one.
Gwen now lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, daughter, and very large dog, where she longs to live in the country again.
She grew up in upstate New York, moved to Virginia where she did not graduate college, and worked a various number of jobs including pharmacy technician, meat clerk, ranch hand, and a receiving specialist at Target. She may or may not have written a number of books while working at certain jobs.
At the age of eighteen, Gwen played bass in a hardcore band and later married the lead guitarist. She can also play piano, guitar, and wishes she could play the cello. Her favorite place to vacation is Wyoming, where she gets to wear a cowboy hat and pretend she actually is one.
Gwen now lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, daughter, and very large dog, where she longs to live in the country again.
2 winners will receive a finished copy of COLD SUMMER, International.
5 winners will receive an ARC of COLD SUMMER, US Only.
Cold Summer sounds very intriguing to me. I'd love to read it! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kay for stopping by. I hope you'll get the chance to read it.
DeleteI love historical fiction. The story grabbed me and I'ad love to experience your writing! Especially your debut.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
DeleteThis sounds great. Would love to read.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Hi Lucy. I hope you get th e chance to.
DeleteThis looks like a great book! And I adore the cover! <3
ReplyDeleteRight?! Me too!
Delete"Cold Summer" sounds like a great family based story. Adding to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteHope you'll enjoy it!
DeleteSounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Arletta!
DeleteI just love the concept of this story, all the different elements in there really makes me want to read it. Especially the time traveling element ^_^
ReplyDeleteI agree Fiza! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThanks so much for the chance! Looking forward to reading it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Maria! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThe cover is very beautiful. I'm looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the cover is gorgeous!
DeleteThanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemia2009(at)comcast(dot)net
Thanks for stopping by!
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